Instructions:1. In a big bowl, mix together molasses, brown sugar, water and shortening.
2. Add flour, baking soda, salt and spices. (The dough gets very stiff – if you have a mixer with dough hooks, it is very helpful.)
3. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.
4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
5. Cut out the cookies with a floured gingerbread man- (and girl-) shaped cookie cutter.
6. Place about 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
7. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes or until no indentation remains when touched.

RECIPE NOTES: Cool cookies before frosting. (Any molasses can be used for these, but the darker the molasses, the stronger the flavor.)

Instructions:1. Mix sugar, margarine and vanilla in a small bowl.
2. Add milk by drops until desired consistency.
3. Divide into several bowls with food coloring if desired.
4. Using a pastry tip, play with your food! decorate cookies.
5. Use icing to affix Red Hots® candy buttons.

RECIPE NOTES: Warmed icing can be used for drizzling. If icing gets too stiff, warm briefly in the microwave for about 10 – 12 seconds.

*submitted by Cathy Haubenstricker

And then we waited … while sipping hot, [insert your favorite beverage here] in this adorable mug!

Pinterest has really upped the gingerbread cookie decorating game. From gingerbread cookies turned into reindeer, Wookie™ cookies and different shapes intricately decorated in the style of decorative enameling, gingerbread cookies have taken “food as art” to a whole new level!

Yes. The bar has been set very high. Well done, Pinterest! But we think we did pretty good with this one!😂 Embodying the spectrum of emotions people feel about Christmas preparedness, how do you think we did?

In the end, taste is all that matters! So no matter what level your decorating skills are, these classic Christmas cookies are a winner!